DCM warning

[rcx132]

Just a heads up, I've been using DCM and checked with 3M which mask should be used with it, and it's Full Face Supplied air.... i.e. a screwfix mask won't do it.

DCM also known as Dichloromethane or Methylene chloride. I know people on here are using it so thought I'd give the heads up.

I totally expect people to now say that they've been using it for years with no problems, and I know that's the case with decorators that were probably once using it day in day out with no problems. Your call of course. I'm just stating what the documentation says.

 

[Wendelspanswick]

No offence but for the exposure the average person using it is going to get your going to do more damage to your lungs sat on the M25 in rush hour traffic.
Now if your using DCM on a daily basis in an enclosed environment you'd invest in some air fed PPE but seeing as until recently it was the active ingredient in Nitromors which has been used by generations of people since at least the 70's without advised ill effects I think its 3M wanting to sell you some very expensive PPE.

 

[Revs1972]

its not done me any harm

 

[rcx132]

No offence but for the exposure the average person using it is going to get your going to do more damage to your lungs sat on the M25 in rush hour traffic.
Now if your using DCM on a daily basis in an enclosed environment you'd invest in some air fed PPE but seeing as until recently it was the active ingredient in Nitromors which has been used by generations of people since at least the 70's without advised ill effects I think its 3M wanting to sell you some very expensive PPE.

Fair enough. Though I just tried using it this morning with doors open on both ends of the garage so there's a through draft and it was still strong enough to make me unwell very quickly. Just abandoned DCM and using different method to remove remaining paint now.

 

[rtbcomp]

I always used it outside.

PS - you are using it in a tub with a layer of water on top and not brushing it on?

 

[Revs1972]

We used to have a hatch between the workshop and the office. When the painter came up to ask for something, he usually stank of thinners and it used to make me feel sick and gave me headaches......
( the thinners - not the bloke )

 

[rcx132]

I always used it outside.

PS - you are using it in a tub with a layer of water on top and not brushing it on?

The gel stuff, to try to remove the residual factory primer off my undercarriage.

 

[ukracer]

We used to use BCF in extingushers. They dont supply it any more but it was impressive.

 

[brightspark]

just used it a month ago stripping paint of large wooden windowsills and 2 heating radiators .to be honest never wore a mask . it must affect people in different ways as I haven't had a problem .all I can say is take precautions using a mask and good ventilation and don't take it for granted that u will be ok

 

[Parm]

Some useful information about DCM.

It's a chlorinated hydrocarbon compound, chlorine is the element that makes DCM interesting. It's not a very sticky compound thus making it difficult to stick to activated coconut charcoal, the stuff found in organic vapour respirators that usually knocks out solvents.

The correct type of respirator has an AX rated filter to knock out DCM, but shpuld only be used for escape situations.

If respiratory protection is required then the only form of acceptable protection is compressed air fed RPE.

DCM is a carcinogen and neurotoxic

We are currently dealing with a multiple fatal and a major fire and explosion. Both times DCM was involved and both times users thought it was safe

Don't want a huge debate or argument with anyone

 

[ukracer]

Some useful information about DCM.

It's a chlorinated hydrocarbon compound, chlorine is the element that makes DCM interesting. It's not a very sticky compound thus making it difficult to stick to activated coconut charcoal, the stuff found in organic vapour respirators that usually knocks out solvents.

The correct type of respirator has an AX rated filter to knock out DCM, but shpuld only be used for escape situations.

If respiratory protection is required then the only form of acceptable protection is compressed air fed RPE.

DCM is a carcinogen and neurotoxic

We are currently dealing with a multiple fatal and a major fire and explosion. Both times DCM was involved and both times users thought it was safe

Don't want a huge debate or argument with anyone

Not going to debate or argue Parm...

Just intrigued . I know with scientific names a few letters can change everything but how do they go from a substance that can cause explosions to an extinguishing media.
Bromochlorodifluoromethane sounds pretty similar to what the OP posted.....what changes it.

 

[Parm]

Not going to debate or argue Parm...

Just intrigued . I know with scientific names a few letters can change everything but how do they go from a substance that can cause explosions to an extinguishing media.
Bromochlorodifluoromethane sounds pretty similar to what the OP posted.....what changes it.

A good question, it's all about the chemical bonding that occurs when things react.

Let's consider hydrogen and oxygen. I thier own right as elements they are both highly flammable, albeit quite usefull. However when combined together they make water with the formula of H2O. This as we all know is quite safe and an everyday essential.

Something's when combined together are more dangerous than the sum of THIER individual parts and other are made safer

Another example is Salt, or sodium chloride with the chemical formula NaCl. Sodium is a highly reactive metal and chlorine is a highly toxic gas

 

[rtbcomp]

From the data sheets I've read DCM is not neither highly flammable nor explosive, but it can be made to burn, (presumably giving off toxic fumes). It is also said to be possibly carcinogenic.

Edit - didn't not remove double negative

 

[skotl]

...DCM is not neither highly flammable nor explosive...

Eh?

 

[jordan1]

As said, it probably effects people in different ways. I've used it outdoors quite a bit without any protection no problem.

 

[Parm]

Eh?

Scientific notation